Jesus is risen! Alleluia! He lives after death! Each year at Easter we hear this good news – but do we really hear it? Can we really believe it happened?

It was difficult for some of Jesus’ disciples to believe it (John 20,19-25). It was difficult for some of the early Christians to believe it (1 Corinthians 15,12-20). Is it difficult for us also?

The resurrection is a mystery. We cannot understand it; we cannot explain it; but it is real and true nonetheless. Mary Magdalene saw the risen Christ (John 20,11-18). Peter, John and the other disciples also saw him (John 20,19-29). Paul experienced him on the way to Damascus (1 Cor 15,8-9; Acts of the Apostles 9,1-19).

The Risen Jesus was changed; he was not the same as before his death. Sometimes his friends didn’t recognize him when they saw him, but they knew his voice. Others did recognize him when they saw him. They knew it was Jesus, but somehow he was different. He had passed through death into a new and glorious life – eternal life.

Death is not the end for us either. We, too, shall live after death. Jesus’ resurrection bears witness to this fact! Think about it. Think about what it means for us and for those whom we love. We, too, will pass through death into a new and glorious life! “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118,24).